Press Release Article

E-ZPASS SPEED LIMIT INCREASED TO 25-MPH AT OUTERBRIDGE CROSSING

Date: Jun 19, 2003Press Release Number: 82-2003

E-ZPass customers traveling between Staten Island and New Jersey will soon notice an easier trip as they drive over the Outerbridge Crossing. On Sunday, June 22, the Port Authority will implement a new 25-mph speed limit for the three far left toll lanes at the Outerbridge Crossing, from the current 15-mph speed limit.

The Outerbridge Crossing is the first Port Authority facility to implement a 25-mph speed limit. The increased speed limit is designed to help reduce congestion and enhance overall customer convenience at the Outerbridge Crossing, while maintaining the highest levels of safety. In recent months, the Port Authority has carefully evaluated traffic flow and developed a configuration to ensure the safety of all customers. The Port Authority also has worked closely with local communities to implement this change.

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, \"The Port Authority takes pride in its ability to provide E-ZPass customers with a convenient, safe travel experience. The increased speed limit will provide timesaving benefits for E-ZPass and non-E-ZPass customers, and it will do so without compromising the safety of motorists who use the facility. We continue to look for ways to make toll transactions safer and more convenient for E-ZPass customers.\"

Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, \"An increased speed limit provides an added level of convenience to our customers by reducing congestion and easing delays. Today’s announcement is yet another positive step we are taking to enhance the level of service the agency can provide for E-ZPass customers.\"

Port Authority Executive Director Joseph J. Seymour said, \"Over recent months we’ve worked closely with local communities to implement this program. It will allow customers to move through the toll plaza in less time, and in a safe manner.\"

Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro said, \"E-ZPass has revolutionized the way Staten Islanders pay tolls, so it is only fitting that the Outerbridge Crossing will be the first facility in the New York region to receive higher-speed E-ZPass. The increased speed limit will go a long way in easing traffic headaches for Staten Islanders returning from vacations and family trips. It is sure to encourage more motorists to purchase E-ZPass, and I commend the Port Authority on its innovative toll-collection technology.\"

Community Board Three Chairman John Antoniello said, \"We are very happy to see the Port Authority take the lead to bring Outerbridge Crossing E-ZPass toll lanes up to a higher speed in hopes of moving traffic in a more efficient manner.\"

The Outerbridge Crossing has eight lanes at the toll plaza. The three far left lanes of the toll plaza will be separated by a barrier in the roadway and designated for \"E-ZPass Only\" transactions at the increased 25-mph speed limit. The remaining lanes to the right of the barrier will include one dedicated \"E-ZPass Only\" toll lane with a 5-mph speed limit, as well as staffed toll lanes, which can accommodate cash-paying customers and E-ZPass transactions. Customers exiting at Page Avenue in Staten Island will need to use the lanes to the right of the barrier.

Motorists will see some changes on the roadway as they approach the bridge. Signs highlighting the new speed limit and appropriate lane usage will be posted. Additionally, barriers to separate the higher speed traffic will be placed on the approach and departure lanes from the tollbooths.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates some of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Teterboro airports; the George Washington Bridge; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH rapid-transit system; the Downtown Manhattan Heliport; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. The Port Authority is financially self-supporting and receives no tax revenue from either state.